Frequently Asked questions
WHAT CLASS SHOULD I TAKE IF I'M NEW TO PILATES? TO THE EQUIPMENT AND TO THE STUDIO?
A beginner class.
WHAT CLASS SHOULD I TAKE IF I HAVE PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE SOMEWHERE ELSE?
An open level class.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM READY FOR AN INTERMEDIATE LEVEL CLASS?
You have taken at least 15 classes and you know how to set up the Tower unit, use the leg and arm springs, attach the push through bar and work with the roll back bar. And bonus points for hanging the safety chain correctly.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM READY FOR AN ADVANCED CLASS?
An instructor will tell you. You can’t sign up without instructor approval.
WHAT ARE OUR PURCHASE POLICIES?
There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you do not cancel within the 24-hour cancellation window, the class will be forfeited and not returned to your account. If you arrive 10 minutes into the start of class time, you will not be permitted to take class and the class with be forfeited.
Class packages session are nonrefundable and nontransferable. You have 5 months to use the 15 pack, 3 months to use the 10 pack, and 2 months to use the 5 pack. Packages cannot be extended beyond the expiration date.
WHAT ABOUT PREGNANCY AND PILATES?
If you are an existing client, then Open level Tower classes are appropriate up until 16 weeks of pregnancy. After 16 weeks of pregnancy, we recommend that you do private sessions and not attend the group classes.
SHOULD I TAKE A PRIVATE SESSION BEFORE JOINING GROUP CLASSES?
New clients might consider a private session before taking a group class to get acquainted with the equipment and the exercises. Many of our new clients take a session before joining class. Email jan@henrystreetfitness.com to set this up directly.
WHAT IS THE TOWER?
Henry Street Fitness teaches on equipment designed by Joseph Pilates himself, essentially unchanged since the 1930s, called The Tower. The Tower is an elevated mat attached to a series of springs, bars, and handles, which allow you to move the body in any number of directions, up and down, in and out, back to front, and side to side.
I'M ON THE WAITLIST. HOW DOES THAT WORK?
Sign up for a class even it is full. The software will put you in the waitlist. If a space opens up you are sent an email that you got in. If you are notified less than 24 hours in advance that you got in and do not come, you are not charged. If you are notified more than 24 hours in advance that you got it and do not come, you will be charged. As a general courtesy it is nice to respond to the email with one of your own about your plans for the class.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? DO I HAVE TO WORK OUT IN BARE FEET?
You should wear comfortable exercise clothing that does not fit too loosely. Yoga pants are a great bet. Tank tops or slim-fitting t-shirts and shorts will work too. Socks are necessary.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN INSTRUCTORS?
All our instructors have been certified in Classical Pilates through 600+ hours of training and have been teaching Pilates for at least 5 years. We take our Pilates very seriously. That said, some of our instructors approach class with an emphasis on choreography and flow, while others take time to repeat an exercise for clarity. Some instructors specialize in teaching for those with injuries while others specialize in corrective posture. Click on the videos below and let them tell you what they are like!